WERS 88.9 fm - Performance Wrap-Up: Harvard LowKeys

November 9^th, 2009

The Harvard LowKeys paid a visit to WERS recently for a performance on the 2-5pm weekend program, All A Cappella.  They have an upcoming album, LowKeys Red, and an exciting 10-year anniversary concert with the current group and alumni. They went through the songs they planned before performing, making some adjustments when things sounded off, and practicing on some vocal warm-ups, including children's classic "Witch Doctor."

They finally went live just a bit after three.  LowKeys Music director Hoi Nguyen started by discussing the big anniversary before they launched into their version of Cascada's 2005 hit "Everytime We Touch," sung impressively by Theodora Marie Skeadas.  The song really kicked into gear when Noam Hassenfeld entered with his superb beatboxing prowess, an element of their performance that they truly pride themselves in.  When the song ended, Hoi went through the auditioning process for new LowKeys, in which hopefuls are tested on a variety of musical qualities before the LowKeys meet up and figure out who makes the team.

Their next song was a cover of "California Dreamin," by The Mamas and the Papas, sung by Divya Raghavan.  It had a nice energy in contrast to "Everytime We Touch," and featured strong vocals.  Before there final song they gave WERS some insight into how they go for interesting arrangements when developing covers.  "We really pride ourselves in mixing things up and being edgy."  They mentioned two exciting covers they're working on for future performances, a Lady Gaga medley and "Summertime Clothes," from Animal Collective's Merriweather Post Pavilion.

Gorgeous background chants of the title immediately pull you into their wonderful take on Heart's "Alone," sung by LowKeys president Jess Newman.  This song more than any other showcases the skills that make the LowKeys such a wonderful a cappella group.  They start with an interesting tweak on the original song, usually a shift in tempo.  Then they threw in some creative background vocals that almost steal the show from the lead singer.  Finally they sealed the deal with a beatbox.  All these elements spun around each other in the song until they merged into a stunning and emotive climax.  They're worth checking out.

-By Zach Haldeman